Naquite

Naquite
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
FeSi
IMA symbolNaq[1]
Strunz classification1.BB.15
Crystal systemCubic
Crystal classIsometrictetartoidal
H-M symbol (23)
Space group P213
Unit cella = 4.48 Å, Z = 4
Identification
ColorSteel grey, tin white
CleavageNone
FractureBrittle – conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness6.5
LusterMetallic
Streakgrayish black
DiaphaneityOpaque
Specific gravity6.1–6.2 (calc.)
References[2][3]

Naquite is a mineral of iron monosilicide, FeSi. It was discovered in the 1960s in Donetsk Oblast in Soviet Union, and named fersilicite, but was not approved by the International Mineralogical Association. It was later rediscovered in the Nagqu area of Tibet and given the name naquite. Naquite occurs together with other rare iron silicide minerals, xifengite (Fe5Si3) and linzhiite (FeSi2).[3]

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Naquite. Mindat
  3. ^ a b Fersilicite. webmineral.com